1996 Jeep cherokee SE Engine swap question
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 137
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From: Richmond, VA
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
More or less, yes. There's some other little details involved depending on what year the engine is coming out of. But basically, yes, most any 4.0L Jeep engine will bolt in.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
XJ Cherokee and ZJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.
2000+ TJ Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.
XJ/ZJ blocks and 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (1997-1999 4.0L TJ Wrangler blocks will interchange in XJ/ZJ and visa-versa).
TJ/WJ 4.0L Engine blocks underwent clean sheet design changes effective in the 1999 WJ Grand and 2000 TJ Wrangler. These blocks are not interchangeable with XJ/ZJ engine blocks. The reason is motor mount bolt holes and belt driven accessory mounting bolt holes are in different locations, or not present at all, TJ/WJ vs. XJ/ZJ.
2000+ TJ Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.
XJ/ZJ blocks and 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (1997-1999 4.0L TJ Wrangler blocks will interchange in XJ/ZJ and visa-versa).
TJ/WJ 4.0L Engine blocks underwent clean sheet design changes effective in the 1999 WJ Grand and 2000 TJ Wrangler. These blocks are not interchangeable with XJ/ZJ engine blocks. The reason is motor mount bolt holes and belt driven accessory mounting bolt holes are in different locations, or not present at all, TJ/WJ vs. XJ/ZJ.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln Calif
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4L I6 EFI 190HP Powertech
May be the wrong place to ask, but I ended up here. Have a 1988 Cherokee with 6 cyl and auto trans, have my eye on an engine in a wrecked 1996 Cherokee. What is the interchange, I want the 1996 engine s a "core" to do a rebuild on. All I want is the block and head from the 1996, will all my other items from the 1988 engine directly bolt up to it?
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
May be the wrong place to ask, but I ended up here. Have a 1988 Cherokee with 6 cyl and auto trans, have my eye on an engine in a wrecked 1996 Cherokee. What is the interchange, I want the 1996 engine s a "core" to do a rebuild on. All I want is the block and head from the 1996, will all my other items from the 1988 engine directly bolt up to it? 

Must be the right place to ask........
Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap
This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.
The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1999 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.
You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.
The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16” square drive or a modified 3/8” drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.
As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
Revised 03/28/13
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln Calif
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4L I6 EFI 190HP Powertech
Cruiser54, THANK YOU !! That is what I was looking for. Moving the temp sender and working over the KNOX unit is pretty simple. My main concern was the motor mounts, bell housing, etc. Thanks again !!
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
It's easy. I've done 2 and am doing another hopefully soon. No worries. Any questions, post them up.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 734
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
That said, read this:
XJ Cherokee and ZJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.
2000+ TJ Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.
XJ/ZJ blocks and 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (1991 to 1995 YJ and 1997-1999 4.0L TJ Wrangler blocks will interchange in XJ/ZJ and visa-versa).
TJ/WJ 4.0L Engine blocks underwent clean sheet design changes effective in the 1999 WJ Grand and 2000 TJ Wrangler. These blocks are not interchangeable with XJ/ZJ engine blocks. The reason is motor mount bolt holes and belt driven accessory mounting bolt holes are in different locations, or not present at all, TJ/WJ vs. XJ/ZJ.
XJ: "Regular" (not Grand) Cherokees 84-01
ZJ: Grand Cherokee 93-98 (Gen1)
WJ: Grand Cherokee 99-04 (Gen2)
YJ: Wrangler 87-95 (Gen1)
TJ: Wrangler 97-06 (Gen2)
Cruiser54 I have seen your post before. Actually I have seen a lot of your posts which actually isn't a good thing bc that means something is broke usually haha. But I do know that all xj blocks are interchangible I guess the real question now is should I buy this 92 motor or search for a 97 to 99. Rebuilding my 2000 motor isn't very appealing at all because of the 0331 head and I don't want a reoccuring problem. Thanks for all the help and replies!
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Cruiser54 I have seen your post before. Actually I have seen a lot of your posts which actually isn't a good thing bc that means something is broke usually haha. But I do know that all xj blocks are interchangible I guess the real question now is should I buy this 92 motor or search for a 97 to 99. Rebuilding my 2000 motor isn't very appealing at all because of the 0331 head and I don't want a reoccuring problem. Thanks for all the help and replies!
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